Page 6 of Perfectly Wild

He’s not talking as a doctor. It’s about his time in Ulara and being mindful of transmitting disease when they have no immunity to certain diseases. Except he doesn’t have to be concerned for the Ularan community in this Italian restaurant.

I watch him for a while before I speak again, “What are you not telling me?” I whisper.

His eyes meet mine, and we hold each other’s gaze for a few seconds. His brow softens. It’s something I’ve noticed since he’s returned like he’s composing what he’s going to say before he speaks to me.

“I haven’t told you many things. I will, in time. It’s taking a bit to adapt to the people and the noise.” He picks up the menu and reads it for several seconds before placing it aside.

“Have you decided already?”

“There are few salads to choose from.” He smiles at me. “What’s your favorite dish?”

It didn’t click before, probably because I focused on showing him the best places around the city. Samuel is concerned for his own immunity, and it’s why he evaluates every place we visit.

“Well, I’m also full, so I’m happy to go with a salad.” I place the menu aside and try to snag the server’s attention to order our food.

I thought a date night would be fun, but now I know I need to stop pushing him into doing normal couple things. He’s not ready even though he agrees to do whatever I suggest.

It’s taken me until tonight to see through him, and a wave of disappointment hits me that I didn’t see it before.

He’ll say yes to everything I ask to makemehappy, even at a cost to him.

And now his charade is over.

* * *

The following afternoon, Samuel and I make our way from the front of our apartment to the green grass of the esplanade. There’s barely a cloud in the sky.

I collapse onto the lawn, laying my forearm over my eyes to block the sun’s glare. Samuel lowers to sit beside me, legs bent to his chest and arms wrapped around his knees. He still moves in stealth mode and if I weren’t peeking, I wouldn’t know he was there.

“I’m exhausted,” I whine.

“Last night too much for you, princess?”

I take his arm and slightly pull until his face is close to mine. “Making love to you is never too much.”

His lips find mine, and in seconds, his kiss turns passionate yet still gentle. He licks over the contour of my lips. “You’re sweet and addictive.” He stretches out alongside me and kisses me again. “I can never get enough of you,” he whispers against my mouth.

Caught in the moment of a deep kiss, children laughing in the distance remind us we’re not alone. Other couples and families enjoy the early spring weather and take in the beach view.

I push up onto my elbows. The blue-green ocean meets a baby-blue sky. The scent of salt fills the air, and I catch a hint of lavender wafting from a nearby garden. We remain silent, taking in the scenery or closing our eyes and simply being.

His words play over in my head.

I can never get enough of you.

“Samuel,” I whisper and wait to get his attention. “I’ve never felt the relief and happiness I did when you waltzed through the door holding Rose. The journey out of the jungle,” I shake my head. “I won’t pretend to understand how hard it was or the suffering to help the Ularans and then to find your way out to be with us.” I let out a long sigh. “I get you need time to process everything. And I’m sorry if I’m pushing you to show you my favorite places to visit, only I’m scared you’re going to change your mind. So if I show you the best places—” I stall.

“I appreciate what you’re doing, Eden. Admittedly, I did the same in Ulara by wanting you to fall in love with the place I loved and called home. I wanted you to stay and tried to convince you it was paradise before realizing my selfishness and the danger I placed you in when you weren’t equipped to survive in the jungle.”

“Yet I did.”

He smiles. Samuel lies back, his elbows supporting his weight. “Yes, you did. I knew you couldn’t stay. It was for a short time. I could protect and teach you, yet I’d never ask you to live out your life in the jungle like I’d chosen.”

I knew you couldn’t stay, I replay his words and brace myself for what he’s about to say.

His eyes rise to meet mine. “There’s much to tell you—” His voice cuts out, and he coughs to clear his throat. “All I can do is focus on each day as it comes. When good days become good weeks, we can talk about the future.” He takes a piece of hair and tucks it into my ponytail. “Be assured I can never leave you as I can’t suffer like that again.” He kisses my forehead. “My heart is bound to yours, and I’m only whole when I’m with you. So, you don’t need to impress me with your pretty city. I’ll go wherever if I’m with you. One day at a time.”

Glancing down at our linked fingers, I squeeze his hand.

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